Which is better in the current environment?
Jeff Brunton, Head of Credit Markets (AMP) discusses the benefits of bond funds in an environment of declining interest rates. Rick Maggi. View video here
31/05/12: Bridging the advice gap
The value of getting quality advice
This excerpt from Macquarie's 'Strictly Business' newsletter discusses the importance of obtaining good advice from professionals including accountants and financial planners, especially during more challenging periods. Rick Maggi Read 'Bridging the advice gap'
18/04/12: Tax Effective Investments - Be careful!
Be inquisitive...
As June 30 is just around the corner we are moving into the sharp end of the tax season. Tax is major headwind to any investment and everyone has the right to minimise the amount of tax they pay through legal tax planning arrangements. Indeed the after tax return is the critical measure for any investment. But sometimes the desire to reduce tax can blind people to the risks - both investment and legal - that certain tax schemes, sophisticated and otherwise, carry with them. In recent years, the collapse of a number of high-profile agribusiness and financing schemes have painfully served to alert people to the dangers of committing to tax schemes that promise upfront tax benefits and potential investment returns that ultimately never materialised. Last year, the ATO produced a helpful, plain language guide - Understanding tax-effective investments (helping you make the right decisions) on what to look out for among some of the more common types of tax schemes that the ATO has encountered that have caught out both individual investors and businesses. Cynicism often masquerades as wisdom, especially in a post GFC world, so it is important that investors don't become paralysed with fear, taking the easiest route, which is to do nothing. But doing your homework is also an important part of the risk/reward equation, so by all means be optimistic and hopeful, but don't forget to be inquisitive. In other words, don't be afraid to see what you see. Rick Maggi Read Understanding Tax Effective Investments
13/04/12: When cash is king, what does tomorrow hold?
The importance of diversification...
The Australian love affair with cash has been understandable one since the beginning of the GFC. Where else could you get a guaranteed, government backed asset paying 5% plus while all around was failing miserably? Vanguard's Robin Bowerman highlights investors to the age old 'health warning' that applies to all investments - namely that past performance is no guarantee that the future will deliver the same outcome. Rick Maggi Read here
13/04/12: Some encouraging modern history...
March quarter foreshadows strong returns ahead...
In this brief article, filled with positive messages, Elm Capital's John Robertson takes a look at the strong start to 2012 and what we might expect for the remainder of 2012, based on modern history. Let's hope he's right. Enjoy! Rick Maggi Read here
02/04/12: April 2012 Snapshot
Today's cost of living: it's a mixed bag
Few dinner table conversations pass without some mention of the high cost of petrol at the local bowser, hikes in gas and electricity prices, or the cost of fruit and vegetables - it's almost a national pastime. Rick Maggi
22/03/12: Mining boom to shift into overdrive
$60 billion export surge
The pay-off from the surge in resource investment is at hand, with rapid growth in export volumes now evident and set to continue for the next 5 years, far outweighing any weakness in prices. Read more here. Rick Maggi
30/03/12: Shopping for advice
ASIC's 'Shadow Shopper' survey is in...
In this article, Vanguard's Robin Bowerman discusses the recent shadow shopper survey results and what it all means. Rick Maggi Shopping for advice
24/02/12: Low return world ten years on...
...and what does it mean for investing?
This article, yet another from Dr Shane Oliver, will be interest to all investors, superannuation, pension and wealth accumulators alike. Rick Maggi Read Oliver's Insights
31/12/11: Hello 2012
Change that will make your head spin
Happy New Year! The following is an interesting video on the progression of information technology - a timely reminder of how things continue to change so rapidly, as we move into 2012. Rick Maggi. Watch here
24/12/11: What matters more than your talents
Amazon Founder and CEO Jeff Bezos
In this Princeton University graduation address, Jeff Bezos makes the case that our character is reflected not in the gifts we're endowed with at birth, but by the choices we make over the course of a lifetime. Rick Maggi Watch video here
20/12/11: The year ahead...
A year of disasters
(Video) AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver series of videos takes a look at 2011 and looks forward into 2012. Worth viewing. Rick Maggi. Watch video
16/12/11: Behold the beauty of bonds
An outstanding year for Bonds...
Vanguard's Robin Bowerman focuses on the outstanding performance of bonds during 2011, but also highlights the age old importance of diversification. Rick Maggi Read here
13/12/11: Should we be concerned about 2012?
Oliver's Insights
AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver looks back on 2011 and, perhaps more importantly, takes a balanced and rational look forward into 2012. Next year could be better than many expect. Rick Maggi. Read Shane Oliver's report
12/12/11: Europe Update:
Progress?
Significant challenges lay ahead for Europe, last Friday's fiscal 'compact' was a step in the right direction. Rick Maggi Read more
07/12/11: Case Study: Superannuation. Taking Control.
It's easy to make a difference...
Over the last few years we've been helping clients take control of their super and pensions, reduce their fees and better protect their hard earned money better. Making a difference is easy, with the right advice. Rick Maggi Read Case Study (brief)
07/12/11: New SMSFs unaware of risk
Get advice...
Research is showing that trustees of newer self-managed superannuation funds are unaware of their risks and obligations. Rick Maggi Read article (brief)
02/12/11: December 2011 Snapshot
Hedging against uncertainty
This month's snapshot focuses on the impact of hedging the international component of your investment or superannuation portfolio. This is an area we've been urging our clients to consider for quite some time as the performance difference between a currency hedged international fund versus unhedged (the vast majority of Australians have unhedged funds) can be miles apart in the shorter term. Rick Maggi December 2011 Snapshot
30/11/11: Mini-Budget 2011
Superannuation and tax announcements
Read below for a summary of the Federal Government's mini-budget announcements. Rick Maggi Mini Budget 2011-12
04/11/11: Shares and the long term - how long is long?
A timely reminder
As Greece assesses it's options, bringing global markets on an emotional roller coaster along the way, AMP Capital's Dr Shane Oliver takes a sober look at the long-term performance of shares versus cash and bonds - easy reading. Read here